Arkansas Coalition for Obesity Prevention

The Arkansas Coalition for Obesity Prevention (ArCOP) was formed in 2007 to bring together partners from all across the state to work on solutions to the obesity problem. ArCOP considers that there are a wide range of activities that can ultimately affect obesity. Coalition emphasis may not only be on good nutrition and physical activity, but also the transportation system, connectivity, pedestrian safety, sidewalks, bike routes, neighborhood farmer’s markets, community gardens, and access to nutritious foods at school and work. We want to work together to create environments that pave the way for healthier lifestyles. ArCOP wants to help create a healthier, more viable and livable community.

ArCOP Mission
Improve the health of all Arkansas communities by increasing physical activity and healthy eating to reduce and prevent obesity                                                        

ArCOP Vision
All Arkansans value and practice healthy lifestyles through created and supported opportunities for physical activity and healthy eating

ArCOP Goal
Increase the percentage of Arkansans of all ages who have access to healthy and affordable food and who engage in regular physical activity

*ArCOP has five working groups with goals, objectives, and work plans aimed at reducing and preventing obesity. Those groups are:

1) Access to Healthy Foods - Determine existing needs statewide and among various sub-populations regarding access to healthy foods Identify existing programs that support access to healthy foods and determine additional programming and service needs Identify programmatic barriers and determine strategies and resources needed for successful implementation

2) Built Environment - Collaborate with city and town planners to promote physical activity by developing pedestrian and bicycle friendly neighborhoods that offer convenient, pleasant, and safe non-motorized links between residences, schools, shopping, and recreational facilities Encourage active lifestyles by incorporating well designed, mixed-use development that permits high quality of life with reduced need for vehicles to conduct daily activities

3) Worksite Wellness - Empower employers to combat obesity in the workplace Collaborate with local, state, and national resources to identify best practices for workplace obesity intervention programs in an effort to decrease obesity and other chronic diseases across Arkansas

4) Health Care - Engage with health providers and insurers to improve quality of life and reduce total long-term costs of health care due to obesity and related chronic disease Collaborate with health care providers, employers and other organizations who are purchasers of coverage and insurance companies or other payers to ensure coverage for obesity

5) Early Childhood and Schools - Collaborate with parents and communities to create a unified environment that promotes healthy eating and physical activity

Obesity is a major cause of chronic diseases and contributes to the economic burden that individuals and our health care system face. In looking at the bigger picture, many of the solutions to control obesity will also contribute to economic growth and stability, promote tourism, improve safety for both drivers and pedestrians, improve air quality, improve social interaction, and allow improved access for those with disabilities, as well as improve the overall quality of life.

Because obesity affects Arkansans in all areas of the state and across all levels of income, education, health care access, race, and ethnicity, we need to attack obesity from all angles. Attention needs to be given to community centers, faith-based organizations, worksites, schools, rural or urban areas, and recreation facilities. The Coalition intends to engage all of these venues through community engagement and support activities. Increased school, community, environmental and policy based efforts are required to ensure that all populations in Arkansas are provided with the support and resources they need to embrace and expand efforts to combat obesity.

For more information on the Arkansas Coalition for Obesity Prevention, contact Joy Rockenbach at 501-683-3600 or at Joy.Rockenbach@arkansas.gov